Levin Management Corporation (LMC) announced significant leasing activity at Blue Star Shopping Center, a 420,000-square-foot retail destination in Watchung. The new leases, totaling more than 62,200 square feet, are a major component of the center’s ongoing multimillion-dollar redevelopment.
The new tenant lineup includes a new location for national off-price retailer Burlington. Additionally, Marshalls, a long-time tenant, will be relocating to a newly configured 27,000-square-foot space in the building that was formerly occupied by the grocery anchor, ShopRite. This move will place two national brands in a highly visible, central location within the shopping center.
E.J. Moawad, senior leasing representative at LMC, represented the landlord in all four transactions. He noted that the leases reflect the strong demand for well-positioned retail space in the market.
“With more than 62,200 square feet of new commitments and additional deals in the pipeline, Blue Star Shopping Center continues to build meaningful momentum,” Moawad said.
The center will also welcome Taco Bell, which has opened a new 2,900-square-foot restaurant, and Nails Spa & Beyond, a 5,800-square-foot full-service nail and beauty spa. These additions expand the center’s dining and wellness offerings.
Other brokers involved with the deals included:
- Cliff Simon of CNS, representing Burlington
- Jerry Welkis and Stephan Miller of Welco Realty, representing Marshalls
- Bob Delia of Summit Realty, representing Taco Bell
Located on U.S. Route 22, the shopping center draws approximately 2.8 million annual visits. The area boasts strong demographics, with a growing customer base of more than 269,000 residents within a five-mile radius.
“This redevelopment ensures the property remains competitive, relevant and well aligned with today’s tenant expectations and consumer behavior,” Matthew Harding, chief executive officer of LMC, said. The new tenants will join a strong mix of national and regional brands already at the center, including Kohl’s, Dollar Tree, and the recently opened Planet Fitness and KidStrong.
